Coronavirus: Melbourne Formula One cancelled, but Raiders and Brumbies still on

The decision was made on Friday morning as fans lined up outside Albert Park waiting to enter.

The Canberra Raiders and ACT Brumbies are still planning to go ahead in Canberra this weekend, but the ACT women's claycourt international has been cancelled next week.

Cricket, basketball, soccer and baseball have also cancelled competitions abroad, while Australia and New Zealand will play their one-day international series at empty stadiums after fans were locked out.

The Formula One was the first major domino to fall on Friday, the Australian Grand Prix Corporation saying: "At 9am today the Australian Grand Prix Corporation was advised by Formula One of their intention to cancel all Formula One activity at the Formula One Australian Grand Prix.

"In light of this decision and updated advice this morning from the Chief Health Officer of the Victorian Government's Department of Human and Health Services, the Australian Grand Prix Corporation confirms the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix is cancelled immediately.

"Last night a member of the McLaren Racing team tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. A further seven individuals returned negative results, confirming that they do not have the COVID-19 virus.

"Additionally, a ninth individual has been assessed and tested for the COVID-19 virus, with the results of this test pending. This individual is not associated with any Formula 1 team, the FIA or associated suppliers."

The Raiders and Brumbies are hoping fans rally behind the teams for games in Canberra this weekend despite coronavirus fears.

Both teams have told The Canberra Times they are proceeding with plans to play on Friday and Sunday respectively after taking advice from NRL, Super Rugby and ACT government officials.

If the situation changes, the games could be played at an empty Canberra Stadium depending on the advice from medical experts.

At this stage the matches will go ahead as planned and fans are being urged to attend.

The Raiders were on track to attract their biggest home crowd for a game against the Gold Coast Titans, with up to 15,000 expected for the first game since their NRL grand final heartbreak.

That number will be revised throughout the day and staff are expecting to take a hit as concerns grow about large public gatherings.

The Brumbies are also hoping for a crowd of 15,000 for what is traditionally their biggest game of the year - a clash against the NSW Waratahs.

The evolving coronavirus situation has caused panic around the world, with some sporting competitions cancelling matches and putting seasons on hold indefinitely.

Basketball ACT has taken measures to minimise contamination, banning handshakes and disinfecting balls after ever game as a precaution.

The Tennis ACT claycourt international, which was supposed to start at Lyneham on Monday, has been cancelled as part of the ITF's decision to suspend events until April 20.

"This will be reviewed on a weekly basis but no ITF events will take place until at least the week of Monday 20 April," the ITF said in a statement.

"We will work closely with our partners and other stakeholders, Regional and National Associations, to determine suitable alternative dates, with the goal of enabling the resumption of playing opportunities across each category as soon as the situation allows."

The Australia v New Zealand cricket series will be played at empty stadiums, while a Super Rugby match between the Argentina Jaguares and Otago Highlanders will also be played behind closed doors.

The Australian women's cricket team has postponed a tour to South Africa.

The ATP has shut down for at least six weeks and all major sporting leagues in the United States have been cancelled.

Two NBA players have tested positive to coronavirus, prompting the world's best basketball competition to be suspended. The NHL has also postponed all games, following the lead of soccer competitions in Europe.

The NRL has issued guidelines for players, which says to limit fan interaction. The Raiders have already implemented their own guidelines.

It's understood Canberra Stadium officials are also considering ways to minimise health risks at major events, including using gloves when serving food and beverage and changing the way they interact with patrons at the gates.

MORE SPORT

It is expected there will be a Super Rugby teleconference for franchises on Friday to determine a plan moving forward given the international nature of rugby.

Clubs from all sports are nervously watching the outcome, with cancelling crowds or matches to have a major impact on revenue.

Closing the stadium doors could lead to ticket and membership refunds.

Super Rugby officials have already moved games away from Japan, and on Friday were forced to announce they will play at a "closed stadium".

The statement said all other matches this weekend would go ahead as special.

"SANZAAR has today been informed by the Argentina Rugby Union that the mayor of the Government of Buenos Aires City in Argentina has issued a directive with regard to the COVID-19 virus," the statement said.

"The government has directed that while major sports events may take place in the city as scheduled for the next 30 days there is to be no spectator presence.

"This has a direct immediate effect on the round seven match between the Jaguares and Highlanders at Jose Amalfitani Stadium in Buenos Aires this Saturday."

Super Rugby boss Andy Marinos said: "Super Rugby is an international cross-border competition and with the global outbreak of the coronavirus in recent weeks we always knew that unfortunately at some stage there would be an effect on the tournament.

"We have been planning for such contingencies and have been cognizant of all government and health authority directives issued within their respective territories.

"Today we have been informed by the Jaguares and the Argentina Rugby Union that the round seven match scheduled in Buenos Aires on Saturday may proceed but without spectators.

"In recent weeks we have put in place strict medical monitoring of all players through the respective Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) to ensure player welfare is at the forefront of our planning for the continuation of the tournament.

We have always said that we would follow guidelines issued by health authorities and governments within our stakeholder territories.

"Super Rugby fully understands the concerns of the Buenos Aires City government.

"To that end, the SANZAAR Board and tournament management will continue to monitor health authority and government directives on the virus in all of our stakeholder territories.

"Apart from the match in Buenos Aires on Saturday, all other matches will continue as normal for round seven."

SANZAAR will issue information on any further changes to Super Rugby if and when appropriate.

We have removed our paywall from our stories about the coronavirus. This is a rapidly changing situation and we to make sure our readers are as informed as possible. If you would like to support our journalists you can subscribe here.